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J. F. WHITE Oct. 1l

TRAILER Filed Nov. 19, Y1925 Wu. d@

mas. E' W-LIE me/"tofs v @NM1/wif uct. 11, 1927. 1,645,467

J. F. WHITE TRAILER Filed Nov. 19, 1925 f 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Quoi nu@ :"5 chassis frame. v f

Patented Oct. 11, 1927.

)UNire- STATES JAMES F. WHITE, F INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

TRAILER.

Application filed November 19, 1925.A Serial No. 70,148.;

This invention relates to improvements in vehiclek constructions and is yparticularly directed to the provision of an improved n trailer.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of an improved trailer, which while adaptable for a variety of trailer uses, is particularly Well constructed for use by tourists, in that the same may be lo conveniently attached to the rear of the con,- vrventional automobile, and afford an easy riding vehicle, which will not interfere with the easy riding qualities of the automobile, and which readily conforms to irregularities l5 in the roadV surface over which the automobile and trailer are being propelled.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved trailer having a novel type of oscillating front axle.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved automobile trailer which embodiesanovel type of front axle and spring connection.

A further object of this invention is the provision of novel steering mechanism for f thefront axles `of trailers.

. A; further object of this invention is the f provision of a. novel type of axle connected spring suspension for vehicles, and

Aparticularly trailers.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a novel axle construction embodying` a novel construction for transmitting forces direct from a draw bar to the A further object of this invention is vthe provisionV of a novel draw vbar universal 'joint connection for trailers.

' A further object lof this invention is the 'u' provision of novel Vmeans for steering a trailer when backing up or reversing.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course 'of 'the following detailed' description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding` parts throughout the several 0 views,V

. Figure 1 is a plan view ofthe improved trailer. showing its novel connection with fthe rear end of a conventional automobile chassi`s`. r

Figure 2 isa fragmentary longitudinal V"sectional view taken through the frontend i of the improved trailer, showing novel con- .connection for the trailer.`

Figures 4, 'and 6 are views in section, showing the dierent -positions which the front axle of the trailer may assume, to insure easy riding of the trailer. y

Figure 7 is a fragmentary plan'view of the rear end of the trailer, showing the novel means to which the same may be ad- ]ustably positioned for steering.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 8--8 of Figure 7. I Figure 9 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, showing a Vnovel type of push bar which may be substituted for the usual connection when it is desired to backup the` trailer, the usual draw bar connection then being used to accomplish the steering of the trailer.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodi-V ment of this invention, the letter A may vgenerally designate the trailer, which may comprise a :frame B; front running gear C; rear running gear D; and means- E Vfor connecting the trailer to the propelling automobile F. A novel push bar G may be used in lieu of the means E, when backing up. and the connecting means E then being used to accomplish the steering ofthe trailer, as will be subsequently set forth.

The frame B may of course be of any approved construction, and is preferably of the rigid steel type, including the longitudinal side rails 10 and 11, and the front and rear end rails 12 and 18 respectively. Intermediate cross beams 14 and 1.5 may connect the side rails 10 and 11, as ink conventional chassis frame construction, and these cross beams 14 and 15 may be utilized for the purpose of connecting reinforcing portions of the steering gear thereto, as will be subsequently mentioned.

Referring to the 'front ruiming gear C, the saine is provided with an eye beam type of axle 20, connected by shackles 21 with the lower forward ends of cantilever or quarterelliptic springs 22 and 23. The springs 22 and 23 are connected at their rear ends by holt means 24C to the frame rails 10 and 11 respectively, and extend forwardly slightly in diverging relation, and the lower leaves thereof at the lower forward ends are provided with shackles or links of any approved construction, which extend upwardly from their pivotal connecting bolts 25 with said springs 22 and 23, and at their upper ends cach of the same has a. pivot bolt 26 .extended through the horizontally apertured lower end 27 of members 28 which may be connected to the axle 20, as is illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings.

The axle 20 as above mentioned is of I- cross section, and at the ends thereof the same is provided with yokes 35 adapted to receive therein, in oscillativc connected manner, conventional steering knuckles 36. The yokes 35 have connection with the main body portion of the axle 20, by dropping the ends of the axle 2O downwardly, at 38, adjacent the yokes 35, in order that the wheel receiving spindles 40 of the steering knuckles 8() may be positioned as low as possible, in preierable alignment with the longitudinal axis of the axle 20, and as close as possible to the vaxle of the pivot bolts 26. This is provided for the reason that the axle 20 is bodily oscllative on a horizontal axis, the movement being on the shackle bolts 26 as pivot axes, and iuorder to obviate a too eccentric movement of the trailer bed during the oscillation of the axle on the bolts 26, it can readily be understood that the axes of the spindles 40 should be as close as possible, and even preferably co-axial with the axes of the bolts 26.

Front steering wheels Ll2 and 43 are rotatable on the spindles Ll0 of the steering knuckles 36 at the ends of the axle 20, and the steering knuckles 36 are provided with steering arms 44 preferably extending forwardly, and pivotally connected at Vtheir Iouter ends by means of a tie bar 45.

Referring to the rear running gear D, the same comprises an I-beam type vof axle 50, preferably of identical construction with the axle 20, and the description above given for the steering knuckle connections and construction for the axle 20 holds good for the rear steering gear axle 50. The rear axle 50 is mounted by means of cantilever or quarter-elliptic springs 52 and 53, which are connected at their front ends at to the chassis rails l0 and ll respectively, and extend rearwardly slightly divergent for connection by means of shackles 56 with the rear axle 50 in manner similar to that above described for the axle 20. The rear axle 50. however, instead of being of the oscillative type is held stationary by means of tie rods 68, which at their forward ends areconnected to the intermediate cross beam l5 of the frame B, and at their rear ends having a bolted connection at 59 with the axle 50, to prevent the same from horizontally turning,

Steering Wheels 60 and 6l are connected by suitable knuckles 62 with the yokes of the axle 20, and these steering knuckles 62 include rearwardly extending steering arms 63, the ends of which are pivoted to a concavo-convex shaped tie rod 64C. The tie rod 6l interinediate its ends is provided with a series of openings 66, adapted to receive a pin 67 therein; the pin 67 being detachably supported by the spaced arms 68 of abracket (i9 which .is detachably supported by the axle 50, as illustrated in Figures l, 7 and 8 of the drawings. Normally, the pin 67 will rest in the central opening 66, and hold the wheels 6U and 6l parallel with the longitudinal axis of the trailer A, for ordinary traveling. However, in addition to the 'iront steering wheels, it is desired to make the rear wheels orrunning gear diri gible, as

a convenience when backing or reversing, in

order that the trailer may move in the proper direction. Thus, when it is desired to cant the wheels 60 and 6l with respect to the axis of the frame B, it is merely necessary to detach the pin 67 and shift the tie bar 64 along the space between the arms 682L vof the bracket 69, until the proper opening 66 aligns with the opening of the arms 68, and the pin 67 is then dropped into position and the wheels 60 and (il will be held in their proper cant-ed relation, to effect the reversed steering of the vehicle in the proper direction. out of normal longitudinal path of travel of the trailer.

Referring to the means E by which the trailer at its front running gear is connected with the vehicle F, the latter vehicle is of course provided with a conventional chassis frame 10a, of which the rear cross beam 1l is a part. Parallel with the beam 1l, and to the rear thereof is a cross coupling bar 112, in spaced relation with the chassis raiY lla.

A draw bar bracket 70 is connected to the chassis rail 11a, and coupling bar l2, including a body portion 71 bolted at 72 to the bar 12u, and havin()r forwardly extending divergent brace rods (3 connected to the chassis rail lla. Integral With the body 7l the bracket 7() is provided with a rearwardly extending U-shaped connecting extension 74, having a.V vertical opening 75 therein and having a horizontal opening 76 in the rear thereof, adapted to detachably receive the shank 78 of the draw bar construction of the trailer ik, as will be suhsequentlv described. i i

Referring to the draw bar construction E of the trailer A, the same includes a tongue or draw bar 7 9, which at the rear end thereof is bifurcated, providing the rearwardly extending spaced bar portions 8O and 81, which attheir rear ends are connected by a pmtle or bolt 82 with a detachable lug 85 which may be carried by the front oscillative axle 20, between the ends thereof. The bar lili! lll) `thereof of suicient length that-the tie bar 45e/t the front steering gear extends transversely thru the space 87 between said draw bar portions 80 and 81, and said portions are provided With longitudinally extending elongated openings 90, adapted to detachably receive a pintle or pin 92 which ris also adapted to slip thru an vaperture 93 provided intermediate the ends of the tie bar 45, in order to connect the tie bar 45 with the draw bar 79 toi-movement, to effect the steering ot the Wheels 42 and 43. f

vA very important feature of ,j this invene tion is the provision ot a universal joint at the front end of the draw bar 79, and immediately adjacent the bracket 70, and to this end the draw bar7 9 at its front end is provided with a universal joint part 95, universallyswiveled at'96 to the universal joint part 97 of which the shank 78 is a part.

To eitect the attachment of the joint shank 7 8, it is merely necessary to insert the same in the opening or socket 7 6 of the bracket 70,

and this positions the inner end ot' the rshank 78 in alignment with the opening 75 of t-he bracket 7 0, so that a tapered opening 97 a thru the shank 78 aligns with the opening 75, and a tapered pin 100 may be slipped into the shank opening 97 a to prevent detachment of thejoint part 97 from the draw bar bracket 70, as is illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. Y

Bearing in lmind that the axle 20 is oscilla` tive about a horizontal axis, and that the same is connected adjacent its ends to the springs 22 and 23, it can readily be seen that it is important to transmit the forces incident to pull, tothe frame B, other than thru f the springs 22 and 23. To this end, as is illustrated in Figur-es 1 and 2 ot the drawings,

,a U-shaped vbracket 105 is connected at the rear ot' the axle 20 directlyto the pin 106 which connects the draw bar connectingv lug 85, and to this U-shaped bracket 105 is swivelly connected a bar or rod 107, as by a pin 108; the bar 107 preferably extending along the axis ot' the frame B rearwardly to adjacent the first cross brace 14, and there being pivotally connectedv at 108a by a bracket 108 Withsaid cross brace 14. From this construction it is readily obvious that upon pulling upon the draw bar 79, the pull will'be transmitted to the axlel 20 and then directly to the bar or rod 107 and into the frame BV at the cross brace 14; the'axle'20 being free to oscillate vertically on a horizontal axis. f

From the foregoing it is apparent that the trailer embodies a novel construction which enables the. tame to ride easily, and without 1 undue strain upon itself or upon the propelling vehicle, .due primarily to the novel upon a horizontal axis, the axis ofthe axle Vsubstantially. being always at right angles to the axis ot the trailer, due to the tivo spring connections and the connecting rod connection 105. This movement ot the trout axle 20 enables the trailer to assume a natural position upon the ground independent ot the lower orr elevated position ot the front propelling vehicle F. In addition to these teaturesthe trout running gear C is dirigible, and the steering is automatic by reason ot the dra-W bar connection E. It is to be noted that the pin 92 may move in the elongated openings 90 oi the draw bar, to enable the side swing ot the draw bar. The universal joint ot the draw bar is important, since thereby7 the plane of the trailer may be canted out oit'the plane ot the -l'ront propelling vehicle, Without torsion upon the draw bar and-chassis parts ot the trailer and propelling vehicle.

The difficulty ot' backing up a trailer, having a pivoted draw bar connection with the propelling vehicle, is Well understood. Therefore l contemplate the provision ot a special push bar G, Which is longer than the draw bar construction E including the universal joint. This push bar G at its rear end has a clamping connection at 110 with ythe axle 20, preferably to one side ot the draw bar connection. The. push bar G extends forwardly and at its iront end has an attaching shank 111 et a size suitable for titting into the socket or opening 76 ot the bracket 7 0, and it is provided with a Wedge pin 77 which clamps the tront end of the push bar G rigidly with the draw bar bracket 70. This push bar G is thus connected rigidly to the rear end ot' the propelling` vehicle l1 and to the front axle 20 oi" the trailer A, rigidly holding the latter against its normal. vertical oscillatory movement. The draw bar 79 and universal joint tor- Wardly thereof may now act as a steering rod or tongue, and upon melting up of the vehicle F, the operator may Wing the dra\v bar 79 from side to side to position the steering Wheels 42 and 43 properly tor backing up the trailer A in the desired direction, as can be readily understood.

ln Figures 4, 5 and G has been illustrated the positions which the front axle 20 may assume with respect to the normal horizontal plane ot positioning ot the trailer, and clearly designates the important advantage secured by the .improved trailer,in that the same may move at a lower plane ot elevation than the plane ot the propelling vehicle, or vice versa, Without imposing any strain upon the propelling or trailer vehicle parts.

Various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement ot' parts may be made to the :t'orm of invention herein shown and de scribedgvithout departing from the spirit of the same or the scope of the claims.

I claim:

l, In a trailer or other vehicle the combination of a trame, suspension springs connectecl with the trame, and running gear connected with said suspension springs including` a trout axle oscillatively connected to a pair oif suspension springs at opposite sides o'lf the vtrame to permit the oscillation ot' the axle subflitantially about its own axis.

2. In a trailer the combination oit a frame, rear running' gear for the :t 1ame, front quarter-elliptic springs rfor the 'trame at each side thereof, an axle, shackles pivotally connected to the axle and pivoted to the liront ends o'lE said quarter elliptic springs in spaced relation to the axle pivots thereof, and steeriin;l supportin.;Y wheels for said axle,

In a vehicle chassis the combination of a traine, rear rut-mim; Lgear 'tor the trame, and 4lront runninggear Alor the traine including;` an axle, supporting,l wheels, steering knuckles ii'icludingj spindles tor supporting said wheels, and means pivotally connecting the axle to the .trame so that it may swing substantially on a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis on Vwhich said axle swings being closely adjacent to a co-axial position with the spindle axes oli the wheels and said axle axis.

Ll. In a vehicle chassis the combination ot a iframe, shock absorbing springs 'tor the frame, an axle means pivotally connecting,l the axle below he same with the torivard ends o'li .said springs, the ends ot the axle outwardly oii said springs being downwardly dropped, supportingv wheels, and steering knuckles including' spindles 'for the supporting wheels connected with said axle at the free ends o'l the dropped ends of the axle whereby to position the spindle axes closely to the pivotal axis oi the axle.

In a vehicle chassis the combination of a. trame, rear running,l gear for the iframe, liront leal? springs for the traine, and front running gear for the frame including,- an axle, shackles pivotally connecting the axle to the front ends ot the leaf springs so that the axle may oscillate on a substantially horizontal axis, steering wheels, and steering knuckles carried at the outer ends of said axle including spindles for rec.. l steering,v wheels, the ends ot said axle adja cent the steering` knuckles outwardly ot the pivotal connection of the axle with the` springs being.,r downwardly1 dropped. so as to position the axes ot the spindles closely in 1 alignment with the axis ot oscfllation of tbe axle.

6. In a chassis the combination ot a frame` rear running' ojear ttor the frame, trout leaf springs for the frame connected at each side thereof, an axle, pivot means connecting' thev axle to the forward ends of said springs so .that the axle may oscillate substantially on a horizontal axis, supporting wheels for the ing said axle, adraw bar connected` with the axle, and a` connectingy link pivotally connected with the axle land With the frame so that forces upon the draw bar and axle will be directlytransmitted through the connecting `link to the frame independent of transmis sionof'saidv forcesto the springs.

,7. In a vehiclechassis the combination of a frame,rearrnnning gear for the frame, front leaf springs connected at 'each side of the. frame and extending forwardly thereof. a front axle, shackles pivotally connecting the axle therebelow at spaced points .with'thfe` frontendsof said springs to per* mit the axle to bodily swing. steering wheels at the other ends of the axle. a tie rod connectingr said steering wheels for dirigible action. and a draw bar pivotally connected withthe axle and with the tie rod.

8. `In a vehicle chassis the combination ot' a frame, rear running gear for the lframe, front leaf springs connected at each'side ot the frame and extending forwardly thereof, afront axle, shackles pivotallybnnecting' the axle therebelow at spaced points with the front ends of said springs to permit the axle to bodily swing. steering wheels at the outer ends of the axle, a tie rod connectingr said steering wheels for. dirigible action". a

draw bar pivotally connectcd'with the axle and with the tie rod, and means pivotally connectingr the. axle directly with the trame for transmission of forces direct from the axle to the'trame independent of the springs.

9. 1n a. chassis the combination vof a frame. rear running;r gear for the frame. front springs connected with the frame and ex- Vmovement thereof upon movement of the draw bar. a connecting link. and means pivvotally ,connecting the connectingl link with the axle adjacent the dra-w bar connection and with the chassis trame tor direct transmission ot forces thru the draw bar into the chassis frame independent of said front springs.

10. In a' trailer the combination of a frame,` running gear for the trame includ ing a front axle., supporting whe-els for the axle, and means pivotally connecting the axle to the frame to permit its swinging about a substantially horizontal axis arranged transversely of the frame, a draw bar, means connecting thel draw bar to the ported by the front axle, and means con-y axle, and a universal joint mounted at the tion of aframe, running gear `for the frame including a front axle, steering` wheels sup necting the axle to the frame to permit its bodily oscillation forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle on an axis lying longitudinally within the axle itself, a draw bar pivotally connected with said axle for movement in a vertical plane to oscillate the axle on said axis above mentioned, and a universal joint connected at the outer end ot said draw bar including a part connected with the dra-w bar and a part for connection with the towing vehicle.

l2. In a trailer construction the combination of a frame, running gear for the trame including a front axle, steeringl wheels supported by the front axle, means connecting the axle to the frame to permit its bodily oscillation -forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle on an axis lying longitudinally within the axle itself, a draw vbar pivotally connected with said axlefor movement in a vertical plane to oscillate the axle on said axis above mentioned, a universal joint connected at the outer end of said draw bar including a part connected with the draw bar and a part for connection with the towing vehicle, and means connecting the steering wheels of the axle with the draw bar to permit the steering wheels to be moved upon lateral movement of the draw bar for steering the frame.

13. VIn a trailer the combination of a frame, running gear for the trame including a front axle, supporting wheels for the front axle, springs for the frame, means connecting said springs with the axle in a pivoted relation to one side of the axis ot the axle, means pivotally connecting the axle with the trame to permit the axle to bodily move Ain oscillative manner on a horizontal axis arranged transversely of t-he frame, and which axis passes longitudinally thru the axle itself, a draw bar, means pivotally connecting vthe draw bar to the axle to move the axle in pivotal manner on said axis when the draw bar is vertically moved, said means' permitting lateral pivotal movementJ of the draw bar with respect to the axle, and a universal joint connected at the outer end of the draw bar including a part connected with the draw bar, and a second part for connection with a towing vehicle.

let. ln a vehicle of the class described the combination of a trame, rear running gear for the trame, front substantially elliptic shaped lleaf springs for the frame at each side of the trame extending` at their tree ends forwardly of the frame and beneath the same, a front axle transversely positioned with respect to the frame below the frame, shackles pivoted at their upper ends at the bottom of the axle towards the ends ot' the axle, said springs at their free forward ends being pivoted to the extreme lower ends of said shackles below the pivot axes of said shackles on the axle, and steering supporting wheels at the ends of said axle.

JAMES F. WHITE, 

